An earthquake with a magnitude of 7.6 struck near the Kermadec Islands in New Zealand on July 7, generating a tsunami warning for the Kermadec Islands, New Zealand, Tonga, and other Pacific Ocean areas. The earthquake's epicenter was 161km east of Raul Island at a depth of 20km. While a 1.6m tsunami was detected at Raul Island, officials advised citizens in affected areas not to panic and said it was safe to go to beaches or sightsee. Residents of coastal regions watched with unease.